Results of a human clinical trial published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine indicated that Natreon’s Sensoril, a multi-patented, standardized aqueous botanical extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) roots and leaves, provides an effective vegetarian alternative for promoting joint health. 

Sometimes called “Indian ginseng” because of its rejuvenating properties, Ashwagandha has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. It is known to possess a multitude of health benefits including helping to enhance joint and cardiovascular health, anti-stress, cognitive function and energy.

This 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated two different dosages of Natreon’s Sensoril on 60 participants with knee joint discomfort. The subjects were randomized into three groups who received either 125 mg Sensoril, 250 mg Sensoril or a placebo twice daily.

The study subjects were evaluated using a Modified WOMAC Index, Knee Swelling Index (KSI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at baseline and after weeks 8 and 12. At the end of 12 weeks, consumption of both the 125 mg and 250 mg twice daily dosages of Sensoril produced significant reductions in all three parameters compared to placebo, in a dose-dependent manner. Those in the 250 mg group also experienced significant improvements at the end of weeks 4 and 8, which is a faster response time than has usually been observed in previous joint health studies evaluating glucosamine and chondroitin. Sensoril was also well tolerated in the current study, with no reports of significant GI issues while the use of rescue medication was lower in the Sensoril groups compared to the placebo group.

The researchers were careful to point out that, “Chemical composition of W. somnifera extracts can vary widely depending on which part of the plant is used as well as the extraction solvent and procedure. Thus different extracts may elicit different clinical responses.” Sensoril possesses potent levels of health-enhancing withanolide glycoside bioactive constituents (standardized to -> 10%), due to an aqueous extraction process and a unique patented composition that is allergen-free.

“The significant joint health benefits that occurred from consumption of both the 125 mg and 250 mg twice daily doses of Sensoril in this study is a very exciting result, and expands the breadth of condition-specific areas addressed by Sensoril to include support of healthy joint function. These daily dosage amounts are also much lower than what is recommended for glucosamine and chondroitin, which will also help with compliance,” noted Dr. Aparna Kalidindi of Natreon, who added that this opens the doors for the inclusion of Sensoril in sports nutrition and joint health dietary supplement products.

Previous human clinical trials have shown that Sensoril possesses adaptogenic properties that help promote a feeling of balance and calm while reducing fatigue and increasing mental focus. “Sensoril is an experiential product. You can really feel it working. In addition, this proprietary nutraceutical has been sold in the market for 14 years without any adverse reports,” Dr. Kalidindi confirmed.

In addition to being vegetarian, Sensoril is non-GMO, self-affirmed GRAS, organic as well as Kosher- and Halal-certified. It is currently used in hundreds of dietary supplement products. With greater than 90 percent solubility, it is also ideal for powdered drink mixes.